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How to Get a Medical Card in New York.

  1. 1

    Register Online

    You can speak to a doctor and qualify for a NY medical marijuana card online. The online consultation costs $149, and you’re only billed if approved.

  2. 2

    Get Approved

    Once approved, your provider will send your information and medical cannabis certification to the State of New York.

  3. 3

    Buy Medical Cannabis at a Dispensary

    Present a copy of your certification and a government-issued ID to the dispensary to purchase medical cannabis products. The State of New York no longer sends out physical medical marijuana cards.

Benefits of Getting a New York Medical Card

You don’t have to have an MMJ card to buy cannabis legally in New York now that recreational use is legal, but there are multiple reasons to become a cardholder.

  • Access a greater number of dispensaries.
  • You can possess and use cannabis from 18 rather than 21.
  • Potentially higher possession limit.

About Medical Marijuana in New York

In July 2014, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed legislation permitting the use of cannabis for medical purposes.

Even though recreational marijuana has been legalized in New York, having a medical marijuana card is still a great option for people looking for high-quality medical cannabis products in New York.


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How to Qualify

You must be 18 and a legal resident of New York to apply for a medical marijuana card.

  1. Information for Caregivers
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    Registered caregivers must be 21.

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Medical Conditions

New York does not have a list of qualifying conditions. It is up to your healthcare provider to decide if cannabis may help you live a better, healthier life.

  1. For More Information:
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    You can visit our conditions page to see a wide range of medical conditions that cannabis may help improve.


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Possession and Growing

Patients can possess up to a 60-day supply of cannabis with a valid NY medical marijuana card. However, the prescribing healthcare provider can use their professional judgment and limit the amount of cannabis a patient can have.

Certified New York medical marijuana patients at least 21 can cultivate up to six cannabis plants — three immature and three mature female plants — at their private residence, but only for personal use.

In addition, designated caregivers 21 or older caring for a certified patient can cultivate the same number of mature and immature cannabis for the patient’s use. A designated caregiver can grow up to six plants per patient but cannot grow more than 12 plants at any time.

Once trimmed, a certified patient or caregiver can have up to five pounds of cannabis at their residence.

Recreational marijuana is legal in New York, and anyone at least 21 can possess up to three ounces of cannabis for personal consumption.


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Caregivers

Medical Marijuana patients in New York can have a caregiver.

New York medical marijuana patients can have a caregiver. In most cases, the patient must first designate the caregiver before the certifying appointment, and the caregiver must also apply for a NY MMJ card. Patients under 18, or those incapable of providing informed consent, must have a caregiver, and the certifying healthcare provider will auto-register the information with the State of New York.

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    Caregivers must present the registry ID, patient’s certification, and a government-issued photo ID at the dispensary to purchase products.

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    The caregiver will receive a printed barcoded registry ID.

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Reciprocity

New York does not recognize medical marijuana cards issued by other states, so there is no medical marijuana reciprocity.

Several other states recognize a New York medical marijuana card:

States marked with * require visitors to complete a visiting patient application for the duration of their stay.

States marked with ^ have adult use programs but do not accept out-of-state cards.

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Frequently Asked Questions in New York

How much does a New York Medical Marijuana certificate and card cost?

The appointment fee to see a Leafwell healthcare provider is $149, which is the same, whether you’re getting a New York medical marijuana card for the first time or renewing. You’re only charged if your healthcare provider thinks medical cannabis is a good treatment for your medical condition(s).

Which medical conditions qualify patients for a New York medical marijuana card?

You no longer need to have certain medical conditions to get approved for a New York medical marijuana card.

Instead, it’s up to your healthcare provider to decide if medicinal cannabis has the potential to help you live a better, healthier life. You can visit our medical conditions pages to see a wide range of conditions that the cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids in cannabis may help improve.

How does the online evaluation process work for getting a medical marijuana recommendation letter/medical certificate in New York?

There are four simple steps to seeing a Leafwell healthcare provider to get approved for a New York medical marijuana card:

  1. Register with Leafwell and speak to a New York-licensed healthcare provider via our HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform. This involves creating a Leafwell account using a valid email address. You’ll be asked to complete a brief questionnaire of personal and health information and to either take or upload a photograph of identification (we’re required by law to verify your identity). You will need a smartphone, computer, or tablet with a reliable internet connection and a working camera to be seen by a Leafwell provider.
  2. Schedule an appointment or enter the virtual waiting room. You will receive a text message on your cell phone when the provider is ready to see you. You’ll be connected to a Leafwell healthcare provider for a video chat (i.e., a virtual doctor’s visit).  During the visit, your provider will assess your medical condition(s) to determine if you qualify for a New York medical marijuana certification.
  3. Once approved, your provider will send your information and medical cannabis certification to the State of New York.
  4. Present a copy of your certification and a government-issued ID to the dispensary to purchase medical cannabis products.
How old must I be to apply for a New York medical marijuana card?
Can I be/have a caregiver for a medical marijuana patient in New York?

New York medical marijuana patients can have a caregiver. In most cases, the patient must first designate the caregiver before the certifying appointment, and the caregiver must also apply for a NY MMJ card. Patients under 18, or those incapable of providing informed consent, must have a caregiver, and the certifying healthcare provider will auto-register the information with the State of New York.

Here’s how the caregiver process works:

  1. The patient and caregiver see a Leafwell healthcare provider.
  2. Once approved, the Leafwell provider will send all patient and caregiver information to the State of New York.
  3. The caregiver will receive a printed barcoded registry ID.
  4. Go to the dispensary and purchase medical cannabis products. The caregiver has to present the registry ID, patient’s certification, and a government-issued photo ID at the dispensary to purchase products.

Note: The State of New York is no longer sends physical medical marijuana cards.

How do I apply for the state medical marijuana program in New York?

Patients no longer have to complete a separate state application to get approved for a New York medical marijuana card. Instead, your Leafwell healthcare provider will submit your information to the state once you’re approved. You’ll then receive a certificate to download and present with a government-issued ID to a dispensary budtender to purchase medical cannabis products.